Trending Now: Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong’s ‘tearful realisation’ after first meeting in eight years – Fans React

Ant and Lisa made the heartbreaking decision to put their 12-year-old dog Hurley to sleep.

Ant McPartlin and his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong reunited last week for the first time in eight years after their beloved dog, Hurley, fell gravely ill. TV presenter Ant abruptly left a launch event for the new series of Britain’s Got Talent upon learning that the chocolate Labrador had been rushed to the vet.

At the clinic, the couple made the heartbreaking decision to put the 12-year-old dog to sleep. Ant, 50, and Lisa, 49, adopted Hurley in 2013, and the Labrador had remained central to their lives even after their acrimonious split in 2018, Mirror reported.

During their divorce, Hurley became the focus of a bitter custody dispute, with Ant reportedly stating his ex could have “anything but Hurley.” He later clarified, “Hurley’s welfare comes first and we both love him very much. That’s the way it is really.”

Ultimately, the pair agreed on joint custody, allowing Hurley to split his time between Lisa and Ant, who is now married to his former personal assistant, Anne-Marie Corbett, 46. To avoid direct contact, Ant’s long-time TV partner, Declan Donnelly, reportedly acted as an intermediary, ferrying Hurley between their homes.

A source told the press, “The one thing they both loved was that dog. The dog brought them together and was like an anchor. Lisa has been very hurt by Ant, but they were able to put that behind them in the vet’s office. It was a truce.”

The insider added that Hurley’s passing may help heal old wounds, noting: “There were tears and they both realised that it’s been a long time and life is so short. Hopefully they can move on now.”

While Ant is now married to Anne-Marie and shares a 20-month-old son, Wilder, with her, Lisa’s love life has been more complicated.

Earlier this month, it was reported that she had split from her latest boyfriend, actor Grant Kilburn, 34, who is touring with the play 2:22 A Ghost Story. A source said, “It’s very sad but it wasn’t to be.”

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On Valentine’s Day, Lisa posted a tongue-in-cheek poem reading, “Roses are flowers, pebbles are stones. Here’s a big shout out to those on their own. Count yourself lucky and try not to sob. Look on the bright side, you’re not with a n*b!”

Friends said the post reflected her ability to find humour in the situation, adding, “She’s got a sense of humour and that anger is leaving her. She’s finding that she’s less angry and is able to laugh about it now.”

Both Ant and Lisa have struggled with grief since Hurley’s death. Lisa posted a tribute on social media featuring the poem Rainbow Bridge, alongside a photo of Hurley’s paws.

The poem read: “You left paw prints on our hearts from the moment we brought you home, so many wonderful adventures, all the places where we roamed. The rainbow bridge came to call you, our time came to an end, you were never just a dog but always our best friend.”

Ant, who has remained private about his loss, previously described Hurley’s companionship as vital during his battles with addiction.

In 2019, he said: “There’s a loyalty, love and companionship with Hurley you can’t describe. He never tells me off and is always pleased to see me.”

A source revealed that the TV star was “in bits” after Hurley’s passing and decided to travel abroad, finding it too difficult to be around the dog’s belongings at home.

“He absolutely adored Hurley and, naturally, he’s devastated. Hurley has been a part of his life for 12 years, so to lose him like this is crushing,” the source said.

Friends hope Lisa, who regularly shared clips of her “baby boy” online, will consider adopting another dog to help cope with the loss.

“She’s so distraught about Hurley, but she’s also such a dog lover, and all her friends are saying the best way to get over a dog is to get another one. But, you know, losing Hurley was also like saying a final goodbye to Ant,” the source added.